Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1887-05-20

of arriving in Pinto ahead of his rival.
The only way to get there was on horse
back, and Alex. had not mounted horse
for sixteen years, and then only an old
lame one at that.
About half-past three on the following
afternoon Alex. entered Questionable"
stable and held long consultation with
the proprietor. Soon white horse was
led out for his inspection. After having
been assured more than dozen times that
"the horse was gentle and would stay
wherever he was tied," Alex. mounted and
went TO meet his fate.
He let the horse walk gently all the way
out of town and then to the meeting place.
Arrived there. he had not long TO wait, for
soon Pitts dashed up on a powerful roam.
After few inquiries they were ready.
Pitts put the spur and whips to his horse
and made bold dash for the trail. Alex.
attempted to follow suit. His horse would
not move foot.
In vain did Alex. dig into his ribs, pet,
coax, and scare. The horse simply stood
still. Alex. looked up and saw Pitts clear
ing a hill about two miles distant No
time was to be lost. He dismounted,
grasped heavy stick, and remounted.
Getting firm hold, he dealt the horse
heavy blow on the side of the head. The
horse hesitated no longer. With one
great lunge he started, but instad Of
following the trail he made across the
plains.
A new difficulty now presented itself.
Alex. could not guide or even check the
horse. All he could do was to keep firm
hold and trust TO luck, which he did with
good taste.
the way he would clear stream amazed
Alex. Over huge rocks, across sickly
streams, up Hill and down, the beast would
fly, every moment increasing his speed and
energy.
Ten miles had been covered and the
horse was going at terrific gait. Two
miles more and for the tenth time they
gained table land. This time large
town came in view, and to Alexis. delight,
he found it to be Pinto.
But where is Pitts? and how can I stop
this horse? were two important questions
for Alex. to decide. He had not long to
wait, for Pitts dashed up from the trail
and was soon alongside of him.
The race became exciting. The white
horse realized that he had rival and went
to work in grand style. Pitts applied both
spur and whip to his roam, but the white
was now leading, and still gaining.
The main street had been reached and
the white "hack" became manageable.
Pitts, seeing that it was ques-
ton of horses, and not riders,
grew frantic in his efforts to push the roam
ahead. The gallant beast endeavored 10
make grand squirt, but it was too late.
With sudden leap into the air, he fell,
carrying along with him Pitts.
When Alex. had almost reached the end
of the street he discovered Rosie leaning
through the easement of window evil
IDENTIFY watching for either Pitts or himself.
As he drew up he perceived the smile of
satisfaction that played on her face as she
congratulated him on his bold ride. The
white horse, either tired or satisfied
with his work, behaved nicely on the re-
turn trip. OF course, Alex. did not tell
any one about his trip, but he bought the
old white horse and would ride no other.
Although severely hurt, Mr. Pitts was able
to attend the marriage of Alex. and Rosie,
which occurred shortly afterwards.